Library Essentials Month: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia by Carol Rose

I've been asked a few times recently to recommend some books on faerie lore that go beyond the typical Celtic, Irish, Scottish, English emphasis found in most books. I am not an expert in this realm, but I have a regular need for books of this sort, limited though they are.  So I am doing double duty by making these titles today's library essentials.

For years now, my "go to" faerie reference books have been Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia and Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth
by Carol Rose. They appear in many bibliographies so I am not the only one who has found them the most useful. And while I consult the first one more often, I think of these books as a two volume set in my mind since they fill in the gaps for each other. It's hard to have one without the other.

What really makes these books valuable are their appendices which include groupings by country for easy references as well as other groupings by power, association, type, religion, etc. Each of the books have over 25 appendices each if that gives you an idea of how wonderfully helpful they are. And they are authentically international in scope which is more than can be said for other titles.

Since I acquired these, The Fairy Bible: The Definitive Guide to the World of Fairies by Teresa Moorey has also been released. It looks like a good complement to the Rose books--especially with in the inclusion of more original illustrations. I haven't added it to my own library yet because I haven't had much need for it since my faerie work has not been very demanding in recent years. But it is on my list. Now that I am writing this post I think I need it even more...

Romance Friday: The Ugly Duckling Debutante by Rachel Van Dyken

The Ugly Duckling Debutante by Rachel Van Dyken was released in late September by Astraea Press which specializes in non-erotic romance. A lot of fairy tale romance is being published these days as new releases from big name publishers, rereleases of old titles to ebook format, and new books independently published for the first time (in other words, self-published). I've decided to highlight at least one of these titles every Friday for a while since they keep collecting on my lists. I'll categorize them with a romance tag.

Description from the publisher:

Since childhood Sara has lived with the reality of being ugly. Something her awful family never ceased to remind her. After her sisters run off to Gretna Green, she's left with one choice—go to London and take their place for a Season. It's up to her to marry well and save her family from financial ruin.

A distant aunt decides it’s in her best interest to sponsor Sara for the season and help her snag a husband by any means possible.

Nicholas Devons, Earl of Renwick, is a retired rake and consequently bored with life. He’s given up beautiful women and carnal pleasures. Desperation makes him decide to give his massive fortune away and marry the first country girl he sees.

Lucky for Sara she's that girl. Unlucky for Nicholas, he's to be her new tutor in the ways of the ton. Two waltzes, one masquerade, a violent carriage ride, and two duckless ponds later.... and all that's left is a fun twist on one of the oldest stories ever told.

The Annotated Fairy Tale Books from Maria Tatar

The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales and the other two books in the series from Maria Tatar are another part of this month's library essentials. These are especially beneficial for the more casual but still enthusiastic fairy tale armchair scholar, filled with annotated versions of the tales and illustrations and other materials. It's rather like the SurLaLune site in book format and through a somewhat different perspective.

Book description from the publisher:

The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales is a remarkable treasure trove, a work that celebrates the best-loved tales of childhood and presents them through the vision of Maria Tatar, a leading authority in the field of folklore and children's literature. Into the woods with Little Red Riding Hood, up the beanstalk with Jack, and down through the depths of the ocean with the Little Mermaid, this volume takes us through many of the familiar paths of our folkloric heritage. Gathering together twenty-five of our most cherished fairy tales, including enduring classics like "Beauty and the Beast," "Jack and the Beanstalk," " ," and "Bluebead," Tatar expertly guides readers through the stories, exploring their historical origins, their cultural complexities, and their psychological effects. Offering new translations of the non-English stories by the likes of Hans Christian Andersen, Brothers Grimm, or Charles Perrault, Tatar captures the rhythms of oral storytelling and, with an extraordinary collection of over 300 often rare, mostly four-color paintings and drawings by celebrated illustrators such as Gustave Doré, George Cruikshank, and Maxfield Parrish, she expands our literary and visual sensibilities. As Tatar shows, few of us are aware of how profoundly fairy tales have influenced our culture. Disseminated across a wide variety of historical and contemporary media ranging from opera and drama to cinema and advertising, they constitute a vital part of our storytelling capital. What has kept them alive over the centuries is exactly what keeps life pulsing with vitality and variety: anxieties, fears, desires, romance, passion, and love. Up close and personal, fairy tales tell us about the quest for romance and riches, for power and privilege, and, most importantly, they show us a way out of the woods back to the safety and security of home. Challenging the notion that fairy tales should be read for their moral values and used to make good citizens of little children, Tatar demonstrates throughout how fairy tales can be seen as models for navigating reality, helping children to develop the wit and courage needed to survive in a world ruled by adults. This volume seeks to reclaim this powerful cultural legacy, presenting the stories that we all think we know while at the same time providing the historical contexts that unlock the mysteries of the tales. The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales is a volume that will rank as one of the finest fairy tale collections in many decades, a provocative and original work to be treasured by students, parents, and children. Over 300 often rare, mostly four-color paintings and drawings by celebrated illustrators.

The Annotated Brothers Grimm (The Annotated Books) description from the publisher:

The Annotated Brothers Grimm celebrates the richness and dramatic power of the legendary fables in the most spectacular and unusual Grimm volume in decades. Containing forty stories in new translations by Maria Tatar—including "Little Red Riding Hood," "Cinderella," "Snow White," and "Rapunzel"—the book also features 150 illustrations, many of them in color, by legendary painters such as George Cruikshank and Arthur Rackham; hundreds of annotations that explore the historical origins, cultural complexities, and psychological effects of these tales; and a biographical essay on the lives of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Perhaps most noteworthy is Tatar's decision to include tales that were previously excised, including a few bawdy stories and others that were removed after the Grimms learned that parents were reading the book to their children—stories about cannibalism in times of famine and stories in which children die at the end. Enchanting and magical, The Annotated Brothers Grimm will cast its spell on children and adults alike for decades to come. 75 color and 75 black-and-white illustrations.

The Annotated Hans Christian Andersen (The Annotated Books) description from the publisher:

In her most ambitious annotated work to date, Maria Tatar celebrates the stories told by Denmark's "perfect wizard" and re-envisions Hans Christian Andersen as a writer who casts his spell on both children and adults. Andersen's most beloved tales, such as "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Little Mermaid," are now joined by "The Shadow" and "Story of a Mother," mature stories that reveal his literary range and depth. Tatar captures the tales' unrivaled dramatic and visual power, showing exactly how Andersen became one of the world's ten most translated authors, along with Shakespeare, Dickens, and Marx. Lushly illustrated with more than one hundred fifty rare images, many in full color, by artists such as Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac, The Annotated Hans Christian Andersen will captivate readers with annotations that explore the rich social and cultural dimensions of the nineteenth century and construct a compelling portrait of a writer whose stories still fascinate us today.

Cinderella Cleaners Series

Have you heard of or seen this series, starting with Change of a Dress (Cinderella Cleaners, No. 1) by Maya Gold? I did earlier this year and then forgot about it when my computer did a reboot. Anyway, I thought I would share these today. Interesting concept and then also a boon to those with young readers who adore series. I did and still do actually. The first book definitely uses the fairy tale for inspiration but the other books appear to only keep the characters instead of playing with any more fairy tales.

Book description from the publisher:

Behind the counter at Cinderella Cleaners, Diana watches the clothes come and go. She loves to imagine the exciting events that the different outfits might be worn to. Then one day, Diana reaches into the pocket of a fancy coat - and finds an invitation to a glittering gala in New York City. Since the coat's owner is out of town, Diana gets a wild idea. With the help of some savvy friends, one glamorous dress, and a lot of improvising, Diana pretends to be someone she's not, and makes it into the party! Will she be discovered, or will her disguise come off without a hitch?

Cinderella Cleaners #2: Prep Cool

This week at Cinderella Cleaners, someone has dropped off a private-school uniform. Diana has always wondered what it would be like to attend a posh academy…and now she has the chance to find out. Her best friend's cell phone is stolen, and in order to catch the culprit, Diana has to sneak into super-snooty Foreman Academy. But she never counted on mayhem, mean girls, and a pop quiz! Can Diana convince everyone she's a prep-school student, or will she flunk big-time?

Cinderella Cleaners #3: Rock & Role

Diana has always dreamed about being on camera . . . and now, she might get her chance! On her way to drop off a super-cool vest for a Cinderella Cleaners client, Diana happens to meet pop star Tasha Kane. Tasha invites Diana to try out for a role in her new video, and Diana is beyond excited. But there's one big catch: Tasha wants the video to feature the rockin' vest ... which doesn't belong to Diana! Can Diana still rock the video shoot? Or will she -- and Cinderella Cleaners -- roll into serious trouble?

Cinderella Cleaners #4: Mask Appeal

When Diana finds luxurious gown on the rack at Cinderella Cleaners, she knows it would be perfect for the masquerade ball in town. Too bad she's not allowed to attend the star-studded event. But thanks to a mask and a few friends, Diana sneaks in. Once there, she's excited to dance with her new crush - that is, until she runs into another crush from her past! Even worse, she spots some other unexpected guests who could ruin everything for her. Will Diana be unmasked before the night is up?

Cinderella Cleaners #5: Scheme Spirit

Diana's never been a fan of cheerleaders. After all, mean queen bee Kayleigh is one, and she's always snooty to Diana and her friends. Still, Diana has school spirit, and is bummed to be missing all the festivities for the town's Homecoming game while she's stuck working at the cleaners. But when Diana's co-worker Cat has to help a friend in need, Diana finds herself at the homecoming parade...and, against all odds, in a cheerleading costume borrowed from the cleaners! And to her surprise, Diana almost...enjoys her disguise! But can she pull off this top-secret pom-pom mission?

Cinderella Cleaners #6: Swan Fake

Welcome to Cinderella Cleaners:
Drop-off service!

Quality care!

Total transformation...

Cinderella Cleaners has just received a shipment of dance costumes for a big upcoming performance. Diana's friend, Amelia, is supposed to be in the show...BUT she needs Diana to secretly fill in for her during one of the performances. Not only does Diana owe her friend a favor, but she fits perfectly into the costume. However, once she's on stage, Diana is a lot more Two Left Feet than Prima Ballerina. Will she be discovered before it’s time to take a bow?

Learned at The Southern Festival of Books

Not only did I present at the Southern Festival of Books this past weekend--I thought it was a success and thank everyone who attended--I also got to attend some of the sessions of other authors. Things learned to anticipate include:

Matthew Reinhart has a Sleeping Beauty pop-up book slated for a 2013 release. It's not even listed yet, but I will be preordering it and adding it to my shelves with Cinderella: A Pop-Up Fairy Tale and Robert Sabuda's Beauty & the Beast: A Pop-up Book of the Classic Fairy Tale. Need I mention that this makes me really, really happy? There were no previews, but Reinhart said he worked long and hard on the castle pop up for this book in his desire to make it beautiful.

Jackson Pearce was also there and talked about her fairy tale novels. She has a third one slated for 2012, a Little Mermaid retelling from the "temple princess's POV" titled Fathomless. Pearce has already given us Sweetly and Sisters Red. Which have some of the greatest covers for fairy tale retellings ever. I hope Fathomless has the same artist to complete the set.